League director Rebecca Miller said it is possible that the trestle could be restored for use by hikers and bicyclists.

“DDOT has offered to do a study on keeping the trestle and (assessing) its current condition, and WMATA’s response to that was to file this application for demolition. So, we don’t see that as working in good faith with other parties involved,” Miller said.

District Department of Transportation spokesman Terry Owens said his agency is still planning a feasibility study.

“Also, under the (D.C. Historic) Preservation Act, there is a requirement to show alternatives to demolition, and obviously WMATA has not looked at that, given that DDOT hasn’t had the opportunity to do their study yet,” Miller added.

The Preservation Act applies in this case, according to Miller, because the bridge is a contributing structure within the Glover-Archbold Park Historic Area.

Metro spokeswoman Sherry Ly said in an email:

“Metro continues to work with all the agencies and stands ready to transfer the Trestle to any one of them. Unfortunately, no one has stepped forward. Metro must focus on repairing and keeping the Metro system safe for the millions who rely on it. Over the last several years, maintenance and investment has been deferred causing a $15 billion need. That is and will continue to be our priority.”

Ly also stated that the bridge “must” be demolished because of its condition, and there are no plans to save parts of it for placement in any museum because “that would also require an agency or party to come forward to accept it.”

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